Braunschweiger Spread

by Lynn // October 4, 2013

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Braunschweiger Spread

When it comes to Braunschweiger, you either like it or you hate it. Personally, I love braunschweiger. I even know a few people who are “closet” Braunschweiger lovers. They would never admit to it in public but you know who you are. If you don’t think you like braunschweiger, think again. One thing you need to remember when purchasing braunschweiger, buy the good stuff! Go to your local meat market and buy it from them. You’ll immediately taste the difference. Braunschweiger Spread is super delicious!

Midwest Favorite

If you’re from the Midwest, you undoubtedly know of or have heard of braunschweiger. Your parents eat it and your grandparents love it! I remember going to the corner meat market with my Grandma and having the butcher behind the counter cut us a “chunk” of braunschweiger from a huge red or yellow roll. When we got home, my Grandma and I would have braunschweiger sandwiches.

Braunschweiger Sandwiches

Thin round slices of braunschweiger on thick slices of white bread. The white bread slices have to be Mrs. Karl’s bread only per my grandma’s orders. She loved her some Mrs. Karl’s bread. She would spread the bread with a thin layer of mayonnaise, place the braunschweiger slice on top of the mayo, then top the braunschweiger with a thin slice of Vidalia onion or a sprinkling of minced Vidalia onions. To this day, I still eat my braunschweiger sandwich this same way.

What the heck is Braunschweiger?

Braunschweiger, named after Braunschweig, Germany, is a type of German pork sausage, sometimes called liverwurst. Found in the deli department in grocery stores and available at most meat markets. It’s usually found between the rolls of summer sausage, bologna, thuringer and the dreaded olive “loaf.” It is soft, spreadable and nearly always smoked. Braunschweiger has a very high amount of Vitamin A, iron and protein.

Texture

The meat has a very soft, spread-like texture and a distinctive spicy liver-based flavor. It’s very similar to the Nordic, leverpastej. It’s usually spread on toast but can also be used as a filling for sandwiches, often paired with stone-ground mustard, sliced tomatoes, onions and cheese. In the Midwest, braunschweiger is typically enjoyed in a sandwich with various condiments such as: ketchup, mustard, pickles, mayonnaise, and onions.

Made With

In some restaurants here in Wisconsin, you can still find braunschweiger sandwiches on the menu. Braunschweiger contains a minimum of 30% liver (pork, calf, veal, beef), binders and seasonings. Added seasonings include salt, white pepper, onion powder, and mace. Braunschweiger can also be served as a dip or spread. When it comes to buying braunschweiger, buy the best you can find. I can’t stress this enough. Quality matters.

Serve As A Dip

I have noticed that men tend to devour this tasty dip. Next time you need to make a dip for a bunch of hungry guys, give this dip a try. You might be surprised at how fast it disappears. Braunschweiger Spread is a great choice to serve during football games or to send along with your significant other during hunting season. To purchase good, quality braunschweiger, stop at a German meat market. You simply can’t beat the quality and taste.